JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Stephanie Davis, a freshman on the Jacksonville University women’s soccer team, was killed in a crash Sunday in Baker County that also injured seven teammates.
Davis, 18, from Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee, played in 11 games for the Dolphins at forward and started twice. JU released a statement saying it was crushed by the tragedy.
“Our campus community is devastated by this heartbreaking news,” the school said in a release. “Jacksonville University leaders are in touch with the families of all students involved and are offering our full support to them and to the team, as well as counseling services to any students, faculty and staff who knew Stephanie.”
Jacksonville University leaders are in touch with the families of all students involved and are offering our full support to them and to the team, as well as counseling services to any students, faculty and staff who knew Stephanie.
Students were stunned about this happening to a classmate.
“I recently got an email about it I was in complete shock,” said JU freshman Brendon Le.
Le said the school is small so news like this hits hard.
“It’s really heartbreaking because JU is a tight-knit community when something like this happens it’s like your family member passed away,” Le said.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the sport utility vehicle was traveling eastbound on US-90 near I-10 in Baker County when it overcorrected after going onto the shoulder. When the vehicle reentered the road, it overcorrected again, spun counterclockwise and then rolled over. It came to rest on its passenger side.
Seven JU women’s soccer players between the ages of 18 and 21 were treated for minor injuries. Three were taken to local hospitals. The seven players were wearing seatbelts, and according to the FHP report, it’s unknown if Davis was wearing her seatbelt.
Davis was pronounced dead at Lake City Medical Center.
The soccer team postponed its annual alumni soccer game this weekend until next spring.